The first Flying Weekend for 2007 began with clear, warm weather resulting in a large number of visitors who were interested to see the Museum’s aircraft fly, as well as observe visiting aircraft such as the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s (HARS) PBY Catalina and the Helicopter Transport Services (HTS) CH-54 Sky-crane helitanker named “Shania”.
Shania was a last minute, but welcome addition to the Museum’s line-up. The Sky-crane personnel notified the Museum of its presence in the district for Rural Fire Service (RFS) training just prior to the weekend, so we were privileged they could participate.
The Catalina Flying Boat provided lots of interest also. Since its last visit to Temora, HARS have repainted its weathered coat to a shinier black. The Catalina represents an important part of Australian Aviation history when flying boats were a normal part of military and civilian travel. The aircraft is maintained in airworthy condition as a tribute to the crews that flew and maintained them.
WINGS OVER THE ILLAWARRA
Temora Aviation Museum will be involving two of its aircraft in an Air Show Open Day this weekend, Saturday 24 February 2007 at the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park, NSW. Anticipated to fly across will be the Museum’s Gloster Meteor F.8 and the Lockheed Hudson. The Museum’s aircraft will be on static display however HARS will be flying some aircraft from their collection including the Catalina, Connie and the RAAF Roulettes.
If you live in the Illawarra, it would be a great time to check out the Museum’s vintage aircraft. They will be on site from Friday 23 February until Saturday afternoon 24 February.